Daffo Mode Industrial

Boot Care Tips

Now that you got ‘em, take care of them!

With proper care, you can add years to the life of your boots while retaining their original good looks. Periodically clean and condition your boots. Without the natural occurring lubricants of living skin, it's essential to keep leather clean and to add waterproofing conditioners to maintain the leather.

Light Cleaning

Clean the welt (the stitching area between top of the boot and sole) and seams with an old toothbrush.

Use a non-abrasive pencil eraser to remove scuffmarks. A stiff non-metallic brush, sponge, and a little bit of plain water will clean your boots.

Thorough Cleaning

When necessary, use saddle soap and water for a better cleaning. Be sure to rinse away all of the saddle soap. Residual saddle soap will damage leather just as dried soap left on your skin will damage and cause excessive drying. Never use a detergent as it destroys the natural oils. Always use a proper leather saddle soap for cleaning.

While the leather is still slightly moist after a good cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to replace the leather's natural oils. Set your clean and treated boots aside for 24 hours to dry. It's always a good idea to use shoetrees or stuff them with newspapers so that your boots maintain their shape. Later, apply boot polish or wax, and buff to a shine.

Waterproofing Boots

If boots are made with a "Sympatex" or "Waterproof" lining, no waterproofing is necessary. Other boots should be waxed or oiled so that they repel water. Daffo recommends water or silicon-based boot conditioners, as they are less likely to over soften leather.

Drying Wet Boots

Mold and mildew can grow inside boots that are allowed to sit wet and is almost impossible to eradicate. Wet leather will also stretch and weaken, shrinking and becoming brittle as it dries. Once your boots are wet, however, they should be dried as soon as possible with room temperature, dry air (Between 70-95 degrees Fahrenheit or 20-35 degrees Centigrade). It's important to avoid drying them near a fire or heater. This overheating will literally cook the leather and cause it to become stiff and brittle.